Red Wizard

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

@Kassarock Nice intro. I was wondering, how would you like the upcoming conflict to play out? Personally, I'm thinking "Bad Battle" - a bloody mess for both sides with small victories (your guys get to the safety of the sea / my guys manage to drive you away) but major losses (a lot of dead warriors on both sides), but I'm open for suggestions. I'm also up for discussing it via PM if you're so inclined. EDIT: on a closer inspection, I might have underestimated how many warriors your guys have brought with them. How many are there in the remains of that village, in fact?

@DeadBeatWalking If the letter the Sea King sent was intended for the Maod, would you like me to recieve and present it in my next post? If so, what does it say (discuss it via PM perhaps)? Or would you rather like me to introduce a messenger from the Seolhi, or something, so that you can present the letter yourself?

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

@Kassarock Maybe it's an early scout to test the Maods resolve. Or maybe it's the full-blown invasion right away, and poor Kadri is walking right into an ambush. :P

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

@Kassarock Well, a coastal village has been raided in my intro. Might be your guys, might be someone else. I'll let you decide.

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

My first IC is up. I've left some suggestions in there to get the plot going, feel free to take me up on it if you want to.

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

Kinnisvara

The great hall was dimly lit, shades of dark orange and red slowly dancing on the ceiling and wall hangings from the embers of the fire that had roared during the feast the night before. The air was thick with the smell of dried sweat, spilled mead and what food that had been left unmolested. It was a sour odor, with hints of sweet and salt. Enough to make Kadri sick. She was sprawled on her great chair in the center of the dais, observing through slitted eyes the devastation before her. Someone to the side of her grunted.

"By the dead." Paavo moaned, "I must have died and been taken by the wyrm. I can't see how else I could have deserved feeling like this."

Kadri snorted. "One and a half keg of Triinus sweet-drink would do that to you, you fool."

"Perhaps... Although I still suspect the wyrm and all of that."

She only muttered and nodded softly in agreement. That joy and revelry was rewarded with such pain and regret was surely the work of the great snake. Daring a glance at the food left to rot on the tables, Kadri wondered if she should try and eat some, and if any of it was still edible. She started reaching for it but gratefully collapsed back into her chair when Paavo resumed the conversation.

"What happened last night, anyway? I can't remember too much. Did we - ?"

"No. No, we didn't. But it wasn't on part of you not trying, that's for sure."

A sigh. "Shame. But it'd be twice the shame if we'd done it and I'd been to drunk to remember it."

Kadri turned her head sideways and gave the warrior what she hoped was a stern look. "I swear, someday Heino is going to find out, and then he'll kill you. You must learn to control that wriggling little worm of yours."

Another sigh, and a chuckle. "He could try it, but I dare say you'd be a husband poorer for it. Heino is weak."

Kadri reached down and slapped him on his shaven skalp at that. He looked up at her with feigned upset, but soon lost his act and gave way to a fit of laughter. "You're lucky Heino doesn't want me defending his honor for him, you know." she said, "I could have your tounge cut out for that."

"You could, aye." Paavo replied, a wolf grin on his lips, "But you wouldn't. You like that little bugger too much, and besides, you agree with me."

Kadri held his gaze a few moments longer before relaxing and slumping back into her chair, once more looking out over the waste-strewn battefield that had once been her great hall. "I suppose you're right." she admitted, "But, thinking about it, I could always tie that little bugger on a string round my neck so that it'd always be with me..."

Paavo was just about to reply when the double doors on the far side of the halls were opened. Daylight washed over Kadri and her lover like a wave of fire, and all she could do was keep from screaming out loud.

"Jarl Kadri!" a woman yelled, with a serious tone in her voice, "I bear urgent knews from the coast! There has been a raid!"

Shit, shit, shit. Kadri tried to open her eyes, but quickly conceded they would have to remain shut for the time being. A raid so soon after their victory? Could the Pale fuckers already have regrouped? It seemed unlikely, but she didn't put anything past those cave-dwellers. "Where, which village?" she grunted, "And when?"

"Külake, on the coast. We recieved word just now."

"That's not far." Paavo mused, "It must've happened last night. If we move quick we could probably intercept them, whoever they are."

Sure, but I'm not sure if we'd be doing more harm than good in this sorry state. We can't let them get away though. An attack on my holdings is an attack on me. Kadri rubbed her temples, knowing fully well what she had to do but trying desperately to find a way out.

The warrior at the gate spoke up once more. "What is your will, my Jarl?"

Kadri parted her eyelids and forced them open this time. "Muster the warriors." she said, "We're going hunting."

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

The Maod

Location

Background

The Maod are an old people. They have lived in the region along the Siug river since before the first runes were carved in stone, and so their history before that is a mystery. The oldest songs tell of a conqueror by the name of Koit who came to the land by boat with a few chosen warriors from the ruins of their previous home, across the sea. At the time, the land was ruled by a terrible wyrm who enslaved its population and demanded tributes in the form of human sacrifices, to sate its hunger for flesh. Koit would not submit to this beast and led the people of the region in rebellion against it, and managed to corner it in its lair in the north, where the river flows from the mountain. He and his warriors were victorious, but he did not slay the beast; instead, it bargained for its life by promising him to reveal the location of a magic sword with which he and his kin could rule the land forever. In addition, the wyrm would carry him on its back and support his reign for as long as he lived. Koit agreed to the terms and was rewarded the sword Surm, with which he indeed was able to conquer the region. He was from that day known as the first Dragon King of the Maod, but little did he know that he would also be the last.

On the day of Koits death, the wyrm attempted to regain control of its former domain. Although it was unable to defeat the remainder of Koits warriors, it did manage to steal the sword Surm with it in its escape back to its old lair in the mountains. Without their great leader, the Maod warriors did not dare pursue it, and the weapon was lost seemingly forever. Koits wife Eha, however, prophesized her late husband’s return, and the return of the sword with him.

Koit and Ehas offspring, eight in total, still commanded enough power and support from the populace to remain in power. No one was strong enough to claim the position of king though, so they agreed to rule a part of the realm each and formed a council, known today as the Istung, in which they could decide on national affairs.

Regardless of the degree of truth in the old song most Maod believe in it. Although there has been no recorded sightings of the wyrm since the days of Koit the Istung is very real and ever present in Maod society, and only people of the dragon blood may sit on the esteemed council, or indeed hold any position of power within the realm.

The key to understanding the Maod today is grasping the three concepts that make up the base of their culture; individual strength, honor and tradition. A Maod must be strong and able to fend for itself. Accepting help is fine as long as the favor is returned, but completely relying on others to survive is unacceptable and often accompanied by public scorn. A Maod must also look after its honor, and vigorously defend it if it is slighted. Failing to respond to false accusations and slander is the same as admitting guilt in the eyes of the Maod. Tradition is also of great importance to the Maod. The ancient customs and rituals of their people have been performed in pretty much the same way since before anyone can remember. Variations and innovations to these customs are not tolerated. Maods who go against this are almost considered not Maods at all, or agents of the wyrm.

The Maod are not very religious, but they do have gods, or at least demi-gods. The three chief deities of their faith are Koit, god of dawn, Eha, god of dusk, and the wyrm, god of secrets. The wyrm, seen sometimes as the enemy and sometimes as the guide to the unknown, is not worshiped as a deity as such (although there are rumors of wyrm cults among the Maod), but still respected for its power. Other lesser deities include local heroes and famous family members, and so the faith differs from household to household.

Some inspirational pictures

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

@Flagg Absolutely! I can see how Koit and his band of warriors could easily be seen as foreign conquerors, and that maybe according to some the wyrms rule wasn't at all tyrannical but rather righteous. Or something else. Vague historical records and myths from long ago screams for controversy and opposing perspectives :)

I'll edit your guys into my sheet when you've put something more substantial in yours. Looking forward to collaborating with you!

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

@Flagg I can't help thinking that this somehow has something to do with the wyrm mentioned in my NS. It'd be awesome if it was :)

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

Here's the completed NS. Might add something small later, but probably not.

The Maod

Location

Background

The Maod are an old people. They have lived in the region along the Siug river since before the first runes were carved in stone, and so their history before that is a mystery. The oldest songs tell of a conqueror by the name of Koit who came to the land by boat with a few chosen warriors from the ruins of their previous home, across the sea. At the time, the land was ruled by a terrible wyrm who enslaved its population and demanded tributes in the form of human sacrifices, to sate its hunger for flesh. Koit would not submit to this beast and led the people of the region in rebellion against it, and managed to corner it in its lair in the north, where the river flows from the mountain. He and his warriors were victorious, but he did not slay the beast; instead, it bargained for its life by promising him to reveal the location of a magic sword with which he and his kin could rule the land forever. In addition, the wyrm would carry him on its back and support his reign for as long as he lived. Koit agreed to the terms and was rewarded the sword Surm, with which he indeed was able to conquer the region. He was from that day known as the first Dragon King of the Maod, but little did he know that he would also be the last.

On the day of Koits death, the wyrm attempted to regain control of its former domain. Although it was unable to defeat the remainder of Koits warriors, it did manage to steal the sword Surm with it in its escape back to its old lair in the mountains. Without their great leader, the Maod warriors did not dare pursue it, and the weapon was lost seemingly forever. Koits wife Eha, however, prophesized her late husband’s return, and the return of the sword with him.

Koit and Ehas offspring, eight in total, still commanded enough power and support from the populace to remain in power. No one was strong enough to claim the position of king though, so they agreed to rule a part of the realm each and formed a council, known today as the Istung, in which they could decide on national affairs.

Regardless of the degree of truth in the old song most Maod believe in it. Although there has been no recorded sightings of the wyrm since the days of Koit the Istung is very real and ever present in Maod society, and only people of the dragon blood may sit on the esteemed council, or indeed hold any position of power within the realm.

The key to understanding the Maod today is grasping the three concepts that make up the base of their culture; individual strength, honor and tradition. A Maod must be strong and able to fend for itself. Accepting help is fine as long as the favor is returned, but completely relying on others to survive is unacceptable and often accompanied by public scorn. A Maod must also look after its honor, and vigorously defend it if it is slighted. Failing to respond to false accusations and slander is the same as admitting guilt in the eyes of the Maod. Tradition is also of great importance to the Maod. The ancient customs and rituals of their people have been performed in pretty much the same way since before anyone can remember. Variations and innovations to these customs are not tolerated. Maods who go against this are almost considered not Maods at all, or agents of the wyrm.

The Maod are not very religious, but they do have gods, or at least demi-gods. The three chief deities of their faith are Koit, god of dawn, Eha, god of dusk, and the wyrm, god of secrets. The wyrm, seen sometimes as the enemy and sometimes as the guide to the unknown, is not worshiped as a deity as such (although there are rumors of wyrm cults among the Maod), but still respected for its power. Other lesser deities include local heroes and famous family members, and so the faith differs from household to household.

Some inspirational pictures

Age of Iron - Reboot Edition

I'd like to join. Here's a

Map Claim

until the NS is completed.